Was Stamkos the right pick? Redrafting the 2008 NHL Draft

The 2008 NHL Entry Draft was a significant event for hockey fans. The draft class featured some of the league's most talented players, including Steven Stamkos, Drew Doughty, and Erik Karlsson. However, looking back over a decade and a half later, it's clear that some teams made better selections than others.

Let’s take a look and redraft the top 10 picks of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft and see who should have been selected in hindsight.

Tampa Bay Lightning: Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay Lightning)

Tampa Bay Lightning v Arizona Coyotes

There is no doubt that the Tampa Bay Lightning made the right choice in selecting Steven Stamkos first overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Stamkos has been a spectacular player throughout his career, winning two Rocket Richard Trophies as the league's top goal scorer and leading the Lightning to multiple Stanley Cup championships. Stamkos is a true franchise player and was the best player in the draft class.

Los Angeles Kings: Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings)

Pittsburgh Penguins v Los Angeles Kings

The Los Angeles Kings made a wise choice in selecting Drew Doughty with the second overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Doughty has been a key player for the Kings during their two Stanley Cup championship runs, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP in 2014. He is a two-way defenseman who can contribute in all areas of the game and has consistently been one of the best defensemen in the NHL.

Atlanta Thrashers: Erik Karlsson (Ottawa Senators)

Dallas Stars v San Jose Sharks

Although Erik Karlsson was selected 15th overall in the original draft, he was the best player available at this spot. Karlsson has established himself as one of the best offensive defensemen in the NHL, winning two Norris Trophies as the league's top defenseman. He is a dynamic player who can control the game from the blue line and has consistently put up impressive offensive numbers throughout his career.

St. Louis Blues: Jordan Eberle (Edmonton Oilers)

New Jersey Devils v Seattle Kraken

Jordan Eberle was selected 22nd overall in the original draft, but he should have gone much higher. Eberle has been a consistent scorer throughout his career, posting six 20-goal seasons and two 30-goal seasons. He is a skilled player who can create offense on his own and has been a valuable contributor for the Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, and Seattle Kraken.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Roman Josi (Nashville Predators)

Nashville Predators v Philadelphia Flyers

The Nashville Predators made a wise choice in selecting Roman Josi with the 38th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Josi has established himself as one of the best defensemen in the NHL, winning the Norris Trophy in 2020. He is a complete player who can contribute offensively and defensively and is a key part of the Predators' success.

Columbus Blue Jackets: John Carlson (Original Pick: Washington Capitals)

Toronto Maple Leafs v Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals made a wise choice in selecting John Carlson with the 27th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Carlson is a dynamic defenseman who can contribute in all areas of the game. He has won the Norris Trophy in the past and has consistently been a top offensive defenseman throughout his career.

Nashville Predators: Alex Pietrangelo (St. Louis Blues)

Detroit Red Wings v Vegas Golden Knights

A pretty good replacement for missing out on Roman Josi, Alex Pietrangelo has been one of the NHL’s best defensemen. He was a key part of the St. Louis Blues' Stanley Cup win in 2019. The Predators could have definitely used his tenacity and defensive responsibility in their Cup final in 2017.

Phoenix Coyotes: Jared Spurgeon (New York Islanders)

Minnesota Wild v New York Rangers

Relatively unknown as a sixth-round pick by the Islanders, Jared Spurgeon has become one of the most reliable defensemen in the NHL for the MInnesota WIld. Spurgeon has developed a scoring knack as well and is among the franchise leaders in points in team history. Spurgeon could have been a lock-down defender for the Coyotes for years had they selected him, instead of Mikkel Boedker.

New York Islanders: Josh Bailey (New York Islanders)

New York Rangers v New York Islanders

The Islanders nailed their selection at ninth overall in Josh Bailey. Bailey has been a steady forward for the Islanders for years, playing all 1,047 games of his career on the Island. Bailey has been a consistent 40-80 point per season player.

Vancouver Canucks: Tyler Myers (Buffalo Sabres)

Buffalo Sabres v Vancouver Canucks

The Buffalo Sabres made a wise choice in selecting Tyler Myers with the 12th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Myers is a big, physical defenseman who can contribute in all areas of the game. He won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie in 2010 and has consistently been a top-four defenseman throughout his career.